ABILITIES Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

abilities

noun

plural of ability

as in capabilities

the physical or mental power to do something as a result of the accident the once-vigorous athlete lost the ability to walk

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of abilities Neither side has played to the best of their abilities thus far, but both powerhouses have been smart and savvy enough to get the job done. — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 11 July 2026 True soccer excellence emerges from years of dedicated, often unstructured play from childhood, like street football, fostering unique abilities in tight spaces. — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 The dichotomy of 007, suited and booted in one moment and throwing himself into danger the next, requires shape-shifting abilities, something that is naturally applicable to the clever casting of an unknown actor. — Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 10 July 2026 Speed is Elon Musk’s superpower, but his abilities clearly have limits. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 10 July 2026 The camaraderie Swanson and Hoerner have developed over the last 3½ seasons is a special bond reflected by their abilities to anticipate each other and become one of the best double-play tandems. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026 Studies have found that early screen exposure has been associated with lower cognitive abilities and academic performance. — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 10 July 2026 Some insiders rave about his power, defensive abilities and speed on the base paths. — Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026 Such clear data patterns naturally raise questions about biological differences that might affect boys’ reading abilities. — Sarah Scott, Parents, 9 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abilities

Noun

The demonstration at Warner Robins will provide an opportunity to evaluate those capabilities in an operational maintenance environment before broader deployment across defense sustainment programs.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
Parties have exploited lulls in fighting to buy time, rebuild capabilities and consolidate political or territorial gains ahead of the next round of conflict.

— Anthony Wanis-St John, The Conversation, 10 July 2026

Definition of capabilities

Noun

Allies are also investing in ammunition production and other defense-industrial capacities.

— Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 8 July 2026
These human capacities may become even more valuable as artificial intelligence automates increasing portions of technical and procedural labor.

— Jason Benedict, Fortune, 7 July 2026

Definition of capacities

Noun

State test scores for the 2025-26 school year are coming back, and Georgia public schools are part of a national pattern of declining reading and math skills.

— Taylor Carney, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
The Rangers are adding Espinal for his valuable defensive versatility and contact skills, aiming to bolster their infield depth.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of skills

Noun

Discover talents such as Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal at The Golden Vines® 2026, taking place in London from November 6 to 8, 2026.

— Lewis Chester, Robb Report, 11 July 2026
The player in question is Jesse Bisiwu from Club Brugge, who has been described as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents.

— Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of talents

Noun

For this class, the premise is that your purpose in life lies to the intersection of your values, your aptitudes and your interests.

— Dana Taylor, USA Today, 6 May 2026
This model reflects Japan’s long-standing corporate culture, which prioritizes new hires for their general potential—their aptitudes and aspirations, as opposed to their current skill sets or university majors—and then trains them on the job.

— GRACIA LIU-FARRER, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2025

Definition of aptitudes

Noun

Early or transitioning businesses often create more value by consolidating, narrowing their focus and strengthening their core products, services and competencies.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
This perspective informs Mentor126’s direction and involves the same three competencies any human mentor would use.

— Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 9 June 2026

Definition of competencies

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abilities

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“Abilities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abilities. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of abilities

noun

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